Portret van Marie Charles Louis d'Albert Luynes 1770

This engraving by Pierre Charles Ingouf portrays Marie Charles Louis d'Albert, Duc de Luynes. It was made in France, likely in the late 18th century. The image presents the Duke in profile, framed by an elaborate oval cartouche adorned with ribbons and military regalia. This style reflects the visual language of aristocratic power prevalent in pre-revolutionary France. Consider how the Duke’s powdered wig, ornate hat, and military attire signal his elevated social standing. The inclusion of drums, flags, and weapons reinforces his authority and association with the state's instruments of control. Such a work speaks to the institutional role of art in cementing social hierarchies. To fully understand this image, we can look at the history of the French aristocracy and the visual strategies they employed to maintain power. Art history, in this sense, is as much about understanding social structures as it is about aesthetic appreciation.